Dentures – Arlington, TX
Rebuild a Beautiful Smile with Full & Partial Dentures
Losing several or all of your teeth doesn’t just affect your oral health. It can make even the simplest, most common activities embarrassing and difficult, like speaking or eating. Not to mention, the influence tooth loss has had on your self-esteem. You don’t have to live with the challenges of an incomplete smile. Dr. Wardlaw offers the latest advancements to create high-quality, natural-looking dentures in Arlington.
Who's a Good Candidate for Dentures?
Are you considering dentures, but you’re unsure if you’re a candidate? If so, we have good news for you: this tried-and-true tooth-replacement solution is a great option for patients who have suffered extensive tooth loss throughout one or both arches. So, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation! In the meantime, you can read on to learn more on the topic, including the qualities we look for in a good candidate.
Effects of Missing Teeth
First, we need to discuss the importance of replacing missing teeth, even if no one can see the gaps in your mouth when you smile.
Without your teeth, you’ll have no choice but to stick to a diet consisting of mainly soft foods. Not only can this get boring really quickly, but it can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and negatively impact your overall health. Plus, the teeth surrounding the open space can drift over time, making the alignment of your bite even worse.
It’s also important to note that even relatively minor gaps in your mouth can negatively impact your speaking patterns, making it difficult to communicate with those around you. In that way, dentures don’t just benefit your oral and overall health; they benefit your relationships and self-esteem!
What Qualifies You for Dentures?
The easiest way to find out if you’re a good candidate is by scheduling a consultation with our dentist in Arlington, Dr. Wardlaw. In addition to reviewing your dental history, he will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals. Based on your oral and general health, he’ll determine what the next best steps are. Sometimes, that’s solidifying the details of your restoration, including the size and shape of each replacement tooth. Other times, it’s intervening with the necessary preliminary care, like extractions or periodontal therapy.
Alternative Tooth-Replacement Options
While dentures are a popular, reliable, and custom tooth-replacement option, they aren’t the only one. We also offer two other solutions at our Arlington office:
If you are interested in learning more about dentures (or any of the other tooth-replacement solutions we offer), don’t hesitate to let us know! We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and help you on your journey to a complete, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Types of Dentures
You have more options than ever to replace your missing teeth, but not all will be right for your smile. Don’t worry, Dr. Wardlaw will explain all your options, which may include:
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are uniquely designed for each patient using an arrangement of prosthetic teeth along a gum-like base. The teeth are positioned to fill the gaps from those you’ve lost. They are carefully crafted to match your remaining teeth to blend in with your smile. A partial is held in place using clips or brackets, so it’s removable for easy cleaning and storage.
Full Dentures
As the name implies, a full denture consists of a complete row of teeth affixed to a gum-colored base that’s held in place using suction or an adhesive. They are made from durable, comfortable material for optimal fit and aesthetics. Dentures are a tried-and-proven method to restore a beautiful, functional smile.
Implant Dentures
If you’re looking for a more secure and confident tooth replacement method, implant dentures are the way to go. Instead of using clips or adhesives, dental implants anchor the denture to your jawbone. The posts replicate new tooth roots to give you a nearly perfect replica of your real teeth. Implant dentures are available in fixed and removable options. No matter your preference, you’ll never have to worry about any slipping or irritation.
The Benefits of Dentures
Your teeth are important for more than just an attractive smile. Dentures are an investment in your oral health, quality of life, and self-esteem. Overall, you’ll benefit from:
Rebuild a Beautiful Smile Today
If you’re ready to replace your lost teeth, we’d love to help you get back to smiling brightly. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wardlaw for dentures. We have the personalized solutions you need to love the smile you see in the mirror.
Denture FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about how dentures can restore your smile, but don’t feel like you have enough information to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wardlaw? Our team at I-20 Family Dental wants you to enjoy a rejuvenated, healthy smile, but we also want you to feel confident in your treatment decision. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common questions we receive from our patients below, along with our answers.
How long will it take to adjust to my dentures?
Everyone who receives a dental prosthetic like dentures will undergo an adjustment period as they get used to the way they function and feel. Typically, patients are able to adjust to wearing them within about 30 days, but there are some ways you can speed up this period, including:
- Have realistic expectations about the process, including understanding that you’re likely to experience some muscles soreness, irritation, and speaking and eating difficulties.
- Maintain a soft diet to begin with, working your way up to eating chewier foods. When eating meats and more textured meals, be sure to take small, manageable bites.
- Don’t eat with your front teeth and avoid certain foods that are excessively sticky and hard.
Can I sleep with my dentures?
Your gums will need a rest, which is why you’ll want to take out your dentures every night as you sleep and put them in a glass of lukewarm water. This will ensure they maintain their shape while preventing bacteria accumulation and allowing your mouth to get a much-needed break from supporting your denture.
How do I clean my dentures?
- Carefully Remove Your Dentures: To avoid accidentally damaging your dentures, be careful while removing them and never place them on a slick surface like a bare countertop. Instead, place a clean towel over any smooth surface and place them on that.
- Clean Your Mouth: Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue and existing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste every morning and night.
- Brush Your Dentures at Least Once a Day: Brush your dentures daily using a special denture brush and non-abrasive cleaner. Never use hot water while cleaning your dentures, always cool or room temperature.
- Soak Your Dentures Overnight: Soak your dentures in denture cleaning solution or room temperature water every night.
- Schedule Routine Dental Visits: Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Always Rinse Your Dentures After Eating: After each time you eat, be sure to rinse off your dentures with room temperature water.
What foods won’t I be able to eat with dentures?
Avoid eating foods that are sticky, chewy, and hard with your dentures, because it could shift your new teeth, causing difficulty and embarrassment while chewing, or potentially damage your restoration. Here is a brief list of what foods our team would recommend avoiding with dentures:
- Gummies, caramels, and other hard and chewy candies
- Nuts
- Tough meats
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Foods with seeds in it, like certain fruits and breads
- Popcorn
- Stain-causing foods and beverages
Instead, stick to foods that are softer, or be sure to be very careful when eating more textured foods.